New NICE Quality Standard on Coeliac Disease supports the provision of gluten-free food on prescription
The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has launched its first Quality Standard on coeliac disease, aiming to drive measurable improvements in the diagnosis, support and health of people with coeliac disease. It also identifies the need to address health inequalities.
The new Quality Standard highlights five key areas including:
The Health and Social Care Act 2012 expects CCGs to take Quality Standards into account in planning and delivering their services unless there is a compelling reason to do otherwise. The publication of this new Quality Standard reiterates the importance of improving diagnosis, management and support for this patient group.
Click here to read the full NICE Quality Standard
- People at increased risk or with symptoms of coeliac disease are offered a serological test for coeliac disease
- People with a positive serological test for coeliac disease are referred to a specialist and advised to continue with a gluten-containing diet until diagnosis is confirmed
- People referred to a specialist who need an endoscopic intestinal biopsy to diagnose coeliac disease have it within six weeks of referral
- People newly diagnosed with coeliac disease discuss how to follow a gluten-free diet with a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge of coeliac disease and healthcare professionals should help those who may need support to find suitable gluten-free food products on prescription to enable them to maintain a gluten-free diet
- People with coeliac disease are offered an annual review and that healthcare professionals in socio-economically deprived areas agree a local approach to encourage attendance
The Health and Social Care Act 2012 expects CCGs to take Quality Standards into account in planning and delivering their services unless there is a compelling reason to do otherwise. The publication of this new Quality Standard reiterates the importance of improving diagnosis, management and support for this patient group.
Click here to read the full NICE Quality Standard
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